WCVB | 'No-brainer': Massachusetts leaders react to Supreme Court's mifepristone decision

By Sharman Sacchetti | Originally Published by WCVB

BOSTON —The Supreme Court unanimously agreed on Thursday to preserve access to the abortion drug mifepristone. The ruling dismisses a challenge to the Food and Drug Administration's decision to make the drug more accessible to women.

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously to preserve access to the widely used abortion pill, mifepristone. This case had threatened to restrict access to mifepristone even in states where it's legal.

“First off, it's a no-brainer. It's the obvious decision,” Gov. Maura Healey said.

The case challenged the FDA’s regulation of the pill.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, part of the majority to overturn Roe, wrote, "… the plaintiffs have failed to demonstrate that FDA’s relaxed regulatory requirements likely would cause them to suffer an injury … "

The decision means abortion opponents didn't have the legal right to sue because they couldn't show they were harmed.

“What's troubling here is that the Supreme Court still left open an idea that someone could challenge mifepristone and medication abortion,” Healey said.

For some supporters of abortion rights, the ruling was unexpected.

“Full transparency, I’m surprised by this ruling,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley.

Pressley said she was relieved.

“This ruling is an important one in affirming access to medication abortion, which is safer than Tylenol,” she said.

Massachusetts Citizens for Life said, "Today's decision is not at all the end of our effort to preserve women's dignity … it is a pivot point and an opportunity to … reveal the truth that the abortion industry has negligently failed to admit."

Abortion rights supporters say they know the fight is not over.

“This is a really important day. We've had a moment to take a breath, but we should expect that more is coming down the pipeline,” said Rebecca Hart Holder of Reproductive Equity Now.

Mifepristone was used in nearly two thirds of abortions in the country last year.